Removable handle for use with at least one of a basket and a crate

ABSTRACT

Removable handle engages with one of a basket and crate to facilitate carrying includes a first elastomeric member. A first and second hook member is attached to opposite ends of each of a first and second elastomeric member for engaging respective portions of a predetermined edge of such one of such basket and crate.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to baskets and crates and, more particularly, this invention relates to a removable style handle for use in carrying such baskets and crates.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Prior to the conception and development of the present invention, as is generally well known in the prior art, baskets and crates of various types and sizes have been in widespread use throughout the world. Most, if not all, baskets in use today have handles which are formed as an integral part of the basket and are therefore not removable. Likewise, crates which are used to ship fruits and vegetables do not even have handles attached thereto and must be carried by a person by grasping either the sides or bottom of such crates.

Examples of the former have been taught in U.S. Pat. No. 1,172,352 which shows a handle connected with each end of the basket. Such handle is a U-shaped member having its end portions bent to form integral hooks thereby making this handle a non-removable handle. U.S. Pat. No. 1,328,163 teaches another clothes basket having its handles formed integrally therewith.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 474,925 and 1,962,416 teach baskets or crates which have removable handles but they can only be used with one size crate or basket. Applicant is not aware of any removable type handles which can be used with either a basket or crate and with baskets and crates having different sizes and shapes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, according to a first aspect, provides a removable handle engageable with at least one of a basket and crate. The removable handle facilitates carrying such at least one of such basket and such crate. Such removable handle includes a first elastomeric member. The first elastomeric member having a first end and an opposed second end and each of a first predetermined length and a first predetermined load supporting capability. A first hook member is attached to the first end of such first elastomeric member for engaging a first portion of a predetermined edge of such at least one of such basket and such crate. There is a second hook member attached to the opposed second end of such first elastomeric member for engaging a second portion of such predetermined edge of such at least one of such basket and such crate. There is also a second elastomeric member. Such second elastomeric member has a first end and an opposed second end and each of a second predetermined length substantially equal to the first predetermined length of such first elastomeric member and a second predetermined load supporting capability substantially equal to the first predetermined load supporting capability of such first elastomeric member. A third hook member is attached to the first end of such second elastomeric member for engaging a third portion of such predetermined edge of such at least one of such basket and such crate. Further provided is a fourth hook member attached to the opposed second end of such second elastomeric member for engaging a fourth portion of such predetermined edge of such at least one of such basket and such crate.

According to a second aspect, the present invention provides in combination with a flexible basket for carrying pre-selected objects therein the improvement comprising a stiffening means formed from a predetermined material disposed adjacent an outer upper edge of the flexible basket for substantially minimizing such flexible basket collapsing inwardly when carrying a load therein. A first elastomeric member having a first end and an opposed second end and each of a first predetermined length and a first predetermined load supporting capability is provided. There is a first hook member attached to the first end of such first elastomeric member for engaging a first portion of the stiffening means adjacent a predetermined edge of such flexible basket. A second hook member is attached to the opposed second end of such first elastomeric member for engaging a second portion of the stiffening means adjacent such predetermined edge of the flexible basket. Further provided is a second elastomeric member also having a first end and an opposed second end and each of a second predetermined length substantially equal to the first predetermined length of such first elastomeric member and a second predetermined load supporting capability substantially equal to the first predetermined load supporting capability of such first elastomeric member. A third hook member is attached to the first end of such second elastomeric member for engaging a third portion of the stiffening means adjacent such predetermined edge of the flexible basket. Lastly, there is a fourth hook member attached to the opposed second end of such second elastomeric member for engaging a fourth portion of the stiffening means adjacent such predetermined edge of the flexible basket.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide a removable handle for one of a basket and a crate which is easy to use.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a removable handle for one of a basket and a crate which is relatively inexpensive to produce.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a removable handle for one of a basket and a crate which can be used with different sized baskets and/or crates.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a removable handle for one of a basket and a crate which can be produced to a support a number of predetermined weights.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a removable handle for one of a basket and a crate which will exhibit a relatively long life.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a removable handle for use in combination with a flexible basket having a stiffening means attached thereto adjacent an upper edge thereof.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a removable handle which can be readily adapted for use with either a basket or crate.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a removable handle which can be used on different sized baskets or crates.

In addition to the various objects and advantages of the present invention described with some degree of specificity above it should be obvious that additional objects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those persons who are skilled in the relevant art from the following more detailed description of the invention, particularly, when such description is taken in conjunction with the attached drawing figures and with the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a presently preferred embodiment of a removable handle for use with baskets and/or crates;

FIG. 2 is perspective view of a flexible basket having a stiffening means disposed around an upper edge thereof for use with the removable handle illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a clasp type hook for use with the removable handle; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a removable handle for use with baskets and/or crates.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF A PRESENTLY PREFERRED AND VARIOUS ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Prior to proceeding to the more detailed description of the present invention it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity and understanding, identical components which have identical functions have been identified with identical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the drawing Figures.

Reference is now made, more particularly, to FIG. 1. Illustrated therein is a removable type handle, generally designated 10, engageable with at least one of a basket, generally designated 20 (FIG. 2), having a predetermined shape, and a crate (not shown) for facilitating carrying such at least one of such basket 20 and such crate.

The removable type handle 10 includes a first elastomeric member 12. The first elastomeric member 12 has a first end 14 and an opposed second end 16 and each of a first predetermined length and a first predetermined load supporting capability.

A first hook member 18 attached to such first end 14 of the first elastomeric member 12 for engaging a first portion of a predetermined edge of such at least one of such basket 20 and such crate. A second hook member 22 is attached to the opposed second end 16 of such first elastomeric member 12 for engaging a second portion of such predetermined edge of such at least one of such basket 20 and such crate.

A second elastomeric member 24 is provided. Such second elastomeric member 24 includes a first end 26 and an opposed second end 28 and each of a second predetermined length and a second predetermined load supporting capability.

There is a third hook member 32 attached to first end 26 of such second elastomeric member 24 for engaging a third portion of such predetermined edge of such at least one of such basket 20 and such crate. A fourth hook member 34 is attached to the opposed second end 28 of such second elastomeric member 24 for engaging a fourth portion of such predetermined edge of such at least one of such basket 20 and such crate.

In the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the first elastomeric member 12 and such second elastomeric member 24 are selected from the group consisting of natural rubber, synthetic rubber and combinations thereof. Additionally, such first predetermined length of the first elastomeric member 12 is substantially equal to the second predetermined length of such second elastomeric member 24. Further, the first predetermined load supporting capability of such first elastomeric member 12 is substantially equal to the second predetermined load supporting capability of such second elastomeric member 24.

Also, in the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, each of said first hook member 18, said second hook member 22, said third hook member 32 and said fourth hook member 34 are adjustably attached to their respective ends 14, 16, 26 and 28 of the first elastomeric member 12 and such second elastomeric member 24 by an adjustment means, generally designated 30, thereby allowing the length of each of the first elastomeric member 12 and such second elastomeric member 24 to be one of shortened and lengthen.

It is within the scope of the present invention for each of the first hook member 18, the second hook member 22, the third hook member 32 and the fourth hook member 34 to be clasp type hooks 36.

Finally, in the presently preferred embodiment of the removable handle member 10 there is provided a hand grip 38 disposed around each of such first elastomeric member 12 and such second elastomeric member 24 substantially intermediate each respective end thereof. Preferably, the hand grip 38 will be formed from a rigid material such as plastic and include finger grooves 40.

According to a second aspect the present invention provides in combination with a flexible basket 20, having a predetermined shape, selected from the group consisting of generally rectangular, generally round, oval, hexagonal and octagonal, for carrying pre-selected objects therein an improvement comprising a stiffening means 42, formed from a predetermined material, disposed adjacent an outer upper edge 44 of flexible basket 20 for substantially minimizing a possibility of flexible basket 20 collapsing inwardly when carrying a load therein. The stiffening means 20 thereby permits the use of the removable handle 10 described supra.

In the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the predetermined material such stiffening means 42 is produced from is selected from the group consisting of hard plastic, metal and wood. The metal is selected from the group consisting of aluminum and steel. Preferably the metal is aluminum.

Now refer, more particularly, to FIG. 4 wherein there is illustrated a removable type handle, generally designated 50, engageable with at least one of a basket, generally designated 20 (FIG. 2), having a predetermined shape, and a crate (not shown) for facilitating carrying such at least one of such basket 20 and such crate.

The removable type handle 50 includes a first elastomeric member 12. The first elastomeric member 12 has a first end 14 and an opposed second end 16 and each of a first predetermined length and a first predetermined load supporting capability.

A first engagement means, generally designated 60, is attached to such first end 14 of the first elastomeric member 12 for engaging a first portion of a predetermined edge of such at least one of such basket 20 and such crate. A second engagement means 60 is attached to the opposed second end 16 of such first elastomeric member 12 for engaging a second portion of such predetermined edge of such at least one of such basket 20 and such crate.

A second elastomeric member 24 is provided. Such second elastomeric member 24 includes a first end 26 and an opposed second end 28 and each of a second predetermined length and a second predetermined load supporting capability.

There is a third engagement means 60 attached to the first end 26 of such second elastomeric member 24 for engaging a third portion of such predetermined edge of such at least one of such basket 20 and such crate. A fourth engagement means 60 is attached to the opposed second end 28 of such second elastomeric member 24 for engaging a fourth portion of such predetermined edge of such at least one of such basket 20 and such crate.

Preferably, each of such first engagement means, such second engagement means, such third engagement means and such fourth engagement means are hook and loop type engagement means.

While a presently preferred and various alternative embodiments of the present invention have been described in sufficient detail above to enable a person skilled in the relevant art to make and use the same it should be obvious that various other adaptations and modifications can be envisioned by those persons skilled in such art without departing from either the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A removable handle engageable with at least one of a basket and crate for facilitating carrying such at least one of such basket and such crate, said removable handle comprising: (a) a first elastomeric member, said first elastomeric member having a first end and an opposed second end and each of a first predetermined length and a first predetermined load supporting capability; (b) a first hook member attached to said first end of said first elastomeric member for engaging a first portion of a predetermined edge of such at least one of such basket and such crate; (c) a second hook member attached to said opposed second end of said first elastomeric member for engaging a second portion of such predetermined edge of such at least one of such basket and such crate; (d) a second elastomeric member, said second elastomeric member having a first end and an opposed second end and each of a second predetermined length and a second predetermined load supporting capability; (e) a third hook member attached to said first end of said second elastomeric member for engaging a third portion of such predetermined edge of such at least one of such basket and such crate; and (f) a fourth hook member attached to said opposed second end of said second elastomeric member for engaging a fourth portion of such predetermined edge of such at least one of such basket and such crate.
 2. A removable handle, according to claim 1, wherein said first and said second elastomeric members are selected from the group consisting of natural rubber, synthetic rubber and combinations thereof.
 3. A removable handle, according to claim 1, wherein said first predetermined length of said first elastomeric member is substantially equal to said second predetermined length of said second elastomeric member.
 4. A removable handle, according to claim 3, wherein said first predetermined load supporting capability of said first elastomeric member is substantially equal to said second predetermined load supporting capability of said second elastomeric member.
 5. A removable handle, according to claim 1, wherein each of said first hook member, said second hook member, said third hook member and said fourth hook member are adjustably attached to their respective ends of said first elastomeric member and said second elastomeric member thereby allowing said length of each of said first elastomeric member and said second elastomeric member to be one of shortened and lengthen.
 6. A removable handle, according to claim 5, wherein each of said first hook member, said second hook member, said third hook member and said fourth hook member are clasp type hook means.
 7. A removable handle, according to claim 1, wherein said removable handle member further includes a hand grip disposed around each of said first elastomeric member and said second elastomeric member substantially intermediate each end thereof.
 8. A removable handle, according to claim 7, wherein said hand grip includes finger grooves.
 9. A removable handle, according to claim 8, wherein said hand grip is formed from a rigid material.
 10. A removable handle, according to claim 9, wherein said rigid material is plastic.
 11. In combination with a flexible basket for carrying pre-selected objects therein, the improvement comprising: (a) a stiffening means disposed adjacent an upper edge of said flexible basket for substantially minimizing a possibility of said flexible basket collapsing inwardly when carrying a load therein, said stiffening means formed from a predetermined material; (b) a first elastomeric member, said first elastomeric member having a first end and an opposed second end and each of a first predetermined length and a first predetermined load supporting capability; (c) a first hook member attached to said first end of said first elastomeric member for engaging a first portion of said stiffening means adjacent a predetermined upper edge of said flexible basket; (d) a second hook member attached to said opposed second end of said first elastomeric member for engaging a second portion of said stiffening means adjacent said predetermined upper edge of said flexible basket; (e) a second elastomeric member, said second elastomeric member having a first end and an opposed second end and each of a second predetermined length substantially equal to said first predetermined length of said first elastomeric member and a second predetermined load supporting capability substantially equal to said first predetermined load supporting capability of said first elastomeric member; (f) a third hook member attached to said first end of said second elastomeric member for engaging a third portion of said stiffening means adjacent said predetermined upper edge of said flexible basket; and (g) a fourth hook member attached to said opposed second end of said second elastomeric member for engaging a fourth portion of said stiffening means adjacent said predetermined upper edge of said flexible basket.
 12. The combination, according to claim 11, wherein said predetermined material said stiffening means is produced from is selected from the group consisting of hard plastic, metal and wood.
 13. The combination, according to claim 12, wherein said predetermined material is metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum and steel.
 14. The combination, according to claim 13, wherein said metal is aluminum.
 15. The combination, according to claim 11, wherein said combination further includes a hand grip disposed around each of said first elastomeric member and said second elastomeric member substantially intermediate each end thereof.
 16. The combination, according to claim 15, wherein each of said first hook member, said second hook member, said third hook member and said fourth hook member are adjustably attached to their respective ends of said first elastomeric member and said second elastomeric member thereby allowing said length of each of said first elastomeric member and said second elastomeric member to be one of shortened and lengthen.
 17. The combination, according to claim 11, wherein said predetermined shape of said basket is selected from the group consisting of generally rectangular, generally round, oval, hexagonal and octagonal.
 18. A removable handle engageable with at least one of a basket and crate for facilitating carrying such at least one of such basket and such crate, said removable handle comprising: (a) a first elastomeric member, said first elastomeric member having a first end and an opposed second end and each of a first predetermined length and a first predetermined load supporting capability; (b) a first engagement means attached to said first end of said first elastomeric member for engaging a first portion of a predetermined edge of such at least one of such basket and such crate; (c) a second engagement means attached to said opposed second end of said first elastomeric member for engaging a second portion of such predetermined edge of such at least one of such basket and such crate; (d) a second elastomeric member, said second elastomeric member having a first end and an opposed second end and each of a second predetermined length and a second predetermined load supporting capability; (e) a third engagement means attached to said first end of said second elastomeric member for engaging a third portion of such predetermined edge of such at least one of such basket and such crate; and (f) a fourth engagement means attached to said opposed second end of said second elastomeric member for engaging a fourth portion of such predetermined edge of such at least one of such basket and such crate.
 19. A removable handle, according to claim 18, wherein each of said first engagement means, said second engagement means, said third engagement means and said fourth engagement means are hook and loop type engagement means.
 20. A removable handle, according to claim 18, wherein said removable handle member further includes a hand grip disposed around each of said first elastomeric member and said second elastomeric member substantially intermediate each end thereof. 